Thursday, March 3, 2011

SUDOKU - learning and playing the game


I have two kids and both have highly diverse interests. So, each is enrolled for extra curricular activities, in different places. As the session is in progress for one, the other remains with me and during the waiting hours, both are keen to play games on my cell phone.

I seldom use the instrument except to send an urgent SMS or make an emergency call when out of home. But these young fellows, they have identified other options and speak about them!

In my Nokia 2630, Sudoku is an available option in the games folder.

One day as my younger one played with the same, I simply peeped in. I felt there was something wrong in the way in which she moved ahead in the game. I got the cell, read the instructions and tried playing the game. Wahl!my trial was successful. We got an emoticon displaying CORRECT!

My elder kid was already familiar with the same as she used to play it with her aunty. Though she can play for herself, she could not explainthe basic points to be considered and hence couldn't guide her sibling effectively.

Earlier my younger one thought it was something related to Mathematics and so kept herself off, as she is yet to learn addition and subtraction. however, as she came to know about it, she has become so interested that she is quite eager to fetch the morning newspaper and search for Sudoku in it.Though its a higher level, she facilitates me to fill in as much as I can. She verifies for the answers where available and gets excited for all the right entries.
There are small books with Sudoku puzzles for kids in any book stall.

 What is a Sudoku?
It is a logical number placement puzzle in which we enter a digit from 1 to 9 in each cell of a 9x9 grid made up of 3x3 sub grids, starting with various digits given in some cells. Each row and column must contain only one instance of each digit. As we enter into the game option, there are three categories, Easy, Medium and Hard. The basic procedure is the same.

Naturally I took the Easy segment. There were 100 puzzles in that alone.

Easy simple grid:
The first one was as tabulated below.
2

1
6
3
4

4
6
2
5

1
2
5

6
3
4
6
3
5

2

1
4

2
6
6
3
2
1

5

This game is like filling up the blanks. The numbers used in this grid ranges from 1 to 6. Now I named the cells based on position in the rows and columns for identification.
R1 C1
R1 C2
R1 C3
R1 C4
R1 C5
R1 C6
R2 C1
R2 C2
R2 C3
R2 C4
R2 C5
R2 C6
R3 C1
R3 C2
R3 C3
R3 C4
R3 C5
R3 C6
R4 C1
R4 C2
R4 C3
R4 C4
R4 C5
R4 C6
R5 C1
R5 C2
R5 C3
R5 C4
R5 C5
R5 C6
R6 C1
R6 C2
R6 C3
R6 C4
R6 C5
R6 C6

In Row 1, only RIC2 was blank. The missing number was 5 in that row. All other numbers from 1 to 6 were present in other cells. 

In row 3, only R3C4 was missing and the left out number was 4 and in row 4, the missing one was R4C5 and the value was 1.

Similarly in the last row, only R6C5 was missing and the missing number in that line was 4.
This seemed so easy.

2
5
1
6
3
4

4
6
2
5

1
2
5
4
6
3
4
6
3
5
1
2

1
4

2
6
6
3
2
1
4
5

In the remaining two rows there were two cells each with missing values. How to find that?
I calculated the total sum of all values in the complete rows and columns. Both ways it was 21.
Now I started concentrating attention into columns. Last column had only one left out value. Cell R2C6. The number was 1.

In the 4th column the cell was R5C4 and the value 3.
2
5
1
6
3
4

4
6
2
5
1
1
2
5
4
6
3
4
6
3
5
1
2

1
4
3
2
6
6
3
2
1
4
5

Now only column 1 was left to be filled.  Here in the second row, the missing value was 3 and in the fifth row, the missing value was 5.
2
5
1
6
3
4
3
4
6
2
5
1
1
2
5
4
6
3
4
6
3
5
1
2
5
1
4
3
2
6
6
3
2
1
4
5

Addition of all values in every row and column gave 21. Thus the Sudoku was completed and the answer was right!

So, this is how we play a Sudoku? The number range would differ and also the sum total also with each Sudoku. This is only demonstration of a simple one for beginners.  

This helps kids to learn through fun. It helps them to identify missing numbers, addition and subtraction. It improves their comprehensive ability, concentration and confidence. Read more about Sudoku and its logic, mathematics, variants, etc at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudoku

Standard grids:
Sudoku is generally in a 9x9 grid format in which the sub grids are units of 3x3.


8


5
3
6
4
9

4
7
9
2
8

6
3

5
3
6



2
8
1
9
6
8
4
5
3





3
1

7
8





6
2
8
9
5
3
3
2
1



5
4
8

8
4

1
5
7
2
9

9
5
8
4
2


6

 An example on how I proceeded to solve the above Sudoku is elaborated below.
R
O
W
S

Columns

C1
c2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
C8
C9
R1
8
1
2
5
3
6
4
9
7
R2
4
7
9
2
8
1
6
3
5
R3
5
3
6
9
7
4
2
8
1
R4
9
6
8
4
5
3
1
7
2
R5
2
5
3
1
9
7
8
6
4
R6
1
4
7
6
2
8
9
5
3
R7
3
2
1
7
6
9
5
4
8
R8

6
8
4
3
1
5
7
2
9
R9

7
9
5
8
4
2
3
1
6

Naturally the sum of numbers 1 to 9 along a row or column would be 45.
In columns C3 AND C7, only two numbers are missing.
In C3, the numbers 2 and 7 are missing. In R6, we have 2 in C5. So the probable value for C3R6 is 7.
In C7, the numbers 1 and 3 are missing. Here also, in R4, we have 3 in C6R4. So the most probable entry here is 1.

Now let us move to rows.
 In R1, R2, R4, R6, R8, R9 only two numbers are missing.
R1: here 1 and 7 are missing. But number 1 is available in C9R3 and number 7 in C2R2.
So it is easy to note the numbers here.
R2: the missing numbers are 1 and 5.
Here again 1 is already available in R3C9 and 5 is available in C6R8.
So it is easy to note the numbers.
R4: the missing numbers are 2 and 7.
The number 2 is already available in C8 and 7 in C9. So entry of numerals is again an easy task.
In R6, the missing numbers are 1 and 4.
Of this 1 is in C2 and 4 is in C1. So again numbers is easy.
In R8, the missing numbers are 3 and 6. Here also 6 are there in C4 and 3 in C1.
In R9, the missing numbers are 1 and 7.Here again 1 is already there in C1 and 7 in C8.
So the entry is quite easy.

At this stage let us move to columns once again. As we span them, we can see that C1, C2, C8 and C9 have only one missing number each. So, let us fill them soon with the respective missing number from 1 to 9. (Entries are highlighted in yellow).

Now rows R3 and R7 remains to be filled. So let us move back to rows.
In R3, numbers 4, 7, 9 are missing. But 4 are available in C4 and 7 in C6. So let’s enter 4 and 7.
In R7, numbers 6, 7, 9 are missing. But 6 are in C4 and 7 are in C6. So let us enter these numbers 6 and 7.
These entries are highlighted in blue.
Now we can enter 9 comfortably in C4R3 and C6R7. (Entries highlighted in green.)
The only box that is left blank is R5C5, waiting for another 9.(entry highlighted in pink).
This completes the Sudoku.

There is another method of approaching the same Sudoku through sub-grids. This is elaborated in the link http://www.sudokudaily.net/instructions/ . Here we can also play Sudoku online, daily at different levels.


9

5





8
4


5
7

1

6

2
7
6



4


9
6


3
5
1
2
7

4

1

3


2
1

9
8



4

8
1


4

9

3


8



5
1


2


7

6


In this Sudoku,let us combine all available options.This is a sample from the Nokia category Hard(level1).
Initially let us divide the Sudoku into sub grids of 3x3 units.(Better use a sketch pen to demarcate thus in the beginning.)
In each sub grid the numbers 1 to 9 can appear only once.As earlier, in any column or row also, the numbers 1 to 9 can appear only once.
Now, let us start the process by identifying the column or row or sub grid that has least number of blanks and start filling them one by one. As we proceed, we can see that the rows or columns with many balnks are reduced to minimum blanks and are automatically easy to be filled in.
 
The resolved puzzle is added for cross reference...


9
6
5
4
2
1
7
3
8
4
3
8
5
7
9
1
2
6
1
2
7
6
3
8
9
4
5
8
9
6
7
4
3
5
1
2
7
5
4
2
1
6
3
8
9
2
1
3
9
8
5
6
7
4
6
8
1
3
5
4
2
9
7
3
7
9
8
6
2
4
5
1
5
4
2
1
9
7
8
6
3

Another sample from Nokia 2630 set of Medium category Sudoku, done giving emphasis to the sub grid style.
try yourself and check out the answer key beneath.

3
1
2

9
5
4
7
6
5

9
1

7

8
2
4

7
2
6
3
5


9


7


2
4


2
8

1


9
3

3

9
8
2

5
7

4
5
6



3
1
1
7

3
5
8
9

4
8
9
3
4
2

7

5

Answer key for verification

3
1
2
8
9
5
4
7
6
5
6
9
1
4
7
3
8
2
4
8
7
2
6
3
5
1
9
9
5
1
7
3
6
2
4
8
7
2
8
5
1
4
6
9
3
6
3
4
9
8
2
1
5
7
2
4
5
6
7
9
8
3
1
1
7
6
3
5
8
9
2
4
8
9
3
4
2
1
7
6
5


There are many sites that explain about Sudoku, its logic, steps and methods with tips. Some of them are noted below. Visit them for more Sudoku.  
http://www.sudokuessentials.com/how_to_play_sudoku.html

On You tube there are many videos that explain about this puzzle resolving game. A sample is brought below.

1.       How to play a Sudoku


Another simple guide on types of Sudoku, strategies in Sudoku and a tutorial is also available at eHow. http://www.ehow.com/how_2041470_play-sudoku.html. They say it improves your memory and strengthens your brains.


At the next level, an excellent video of the same is available as 8 segments, at Monkey see. This covers the following topics in a simple manner.
VIDEO ON HOW TO PLAY SUDOKO, LEVEL 2 

1.       How to play a Sudoku

2.       Basic rules of Sudoku

3.       Guess work in Sudoku

4.       One choice technique

5.       One place technique

6.       Scanning technique

7.       Double scanning technique

8.       Finishing the puzzle

ENTER THE WORLD OF PUZZLES AND ENJOY SOLVING SUDOKU…
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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

HARITHAVIDYALAYAM …a successful initiative to retrace our roots…


The final episode of Harithav`idyalayam was telecast live as the prize dedication ceremony from Thunjan Paramba today. Students of Kootakani UP School, Kasargode walked off with the first prize of Rs.15lakh.

 Hon’ writer, M.T.Vasudevan Nair was the chief guest. In search of the green- liveliness of basic education, dedicated team effort to gain recognition for one’s school, by itself is quite appreciable; he said. Let this grow into a great reality to rectify the myth on quality of private education… 

  I recollected the first days when I expressed my wish to watch the show. The time slot is during the Idea Star Singer on Asianet, a favourite family reality show on music, over years. The same is re-telecast 3,4 times and that helped me gain permission in the first instance.But as a few episodes past, my kids became equally or more vigilant to watch the telecast.That is ample proof of the impact and footage of this show, Haritha Vidhyalayam...

This program caters to about 60 lakh students in Kerala. From 12000 recognised schools, 400 applications were screened and 127 selected from that; all represented an exact profile of the schools in our state. A team of experts including resource persons from SCERT formulated a questionnaire based on education development indices identified. This helped in the initial evaluation, said Anvar Sadath, Executive Director, IT @ School.  The successful completion of this program points to the scope for a revolution of transformation in the general education scenario of Kerala. Team effort and cooperation from all concerned – SSA, Victers, Doordarshan, CDIT, SIET and so on is immensely appreciable. It was evident all through the telecast.

Anvar Sadath, Akbar Kakkattil, M.T.Vasudevan Nair, K.R.Meera and Dr.Piyush Antony during the award dedication
As pointed out, most families were keen to watch almost all possible episodes of Harithavidyalayam. It covered teachers, parents and students all alike; apart from layman interested in education scenario of our state. Some of my friends suggested that they started watching the show only recently and wished that all episodes would have a re-telecast soon; because of the success and popularity gained. Let’s hope so…

During the final episode, Premita Prem pointed out that a small girl watching the telecast on Manacaud School, asked her parents to enroll her in a similar school and that the process is in progress. My experience was also not different. The visuals displayed from schools with good playgrounds, smart classrooms, laboratories, multitude of extracurricular activities, public sanitation, planting trees, vegetable gardens, good libraries, and the way in which Mammas visited schools and participated in the nutrition and food distribution programme, all instilled a desire in them to belong to such an open atmosphere in my kids too…

As I browsed Smt.K.R.Meera, youngest jury member; I came across her experience sharing. The link is attached below.
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/mb4eves/online/malayalam/kerala/women/articles/maruvakku-article-150816

 Presented in a lucid style, few matters caught my attention. As rightly pointed out, what facilitated me to watch the program daily was my feeling rather realization that what I am today I owe a lot to my Alma matar, my school education, for its fragrance and delight. Thanks a lot dear teachers…

Another reason, why I followed the program is my hidden concern as my kids resemble exactly our favourite anchor, Premita; though K.R.Meera has depicted truth covered in her humour. Innumerable private schools and most aided schools are releasing such kids into our society, with pride.

How we can change this and what I can contribute is something I think on a daily basis and more so on certain specific occasions.

“Parents seldom understand the creativity of their own kids.”

It is still a tragic truth that parents focus and give over stress on academic performance alone.

Even in my kids school, both students and their parents have difficulty when a kid that is not ones own is given an opportunity to perform or a chance to excel. They believe in grabbing all available options for themselves and this in turn is the exhibition of their poor background; which they don’t realize for themselves.

It is so pathetic that the extent is so huge in such a way that even kids with contagious diseases are forcefully sent to school to save attendance. It’s truly difficult to make up for the lost lessons even for a day or two, in private schools. So what if the kid has chicken pox? What if many others get infected? They should be back at the earliest…This attitude definitely has to change.

“Let our education not create mediocre citizens through the learning process;”said SSA Director.

Both these statements presented today need to be subjected to lot of discussion in the coming days.

As pointed out by Dr.R.V.G.Menon, the tribe head of the jury, a school becomes best not when they achieve accolades by exposing only the hand countable talented fellows BUT when all students can participate in all activities with equal or maximum possible caliber and confidence. Only when teachers have a committed attitude is this possible. As he said it’s up to the management or administration to ensure comfortable working environment for teachers to facilitate interactive learning process and students to explore and learn. It needs a team effort and adequate support from parents.

Not just availability of adequate infrastructure but its rational utilization was also evaluated through live interactions and direct visits by the jury to top 10 schools. What is a good school was evaluated over 40 indices on a grading pattern.

As Akbar Kakkattil said, our education process should help evolve kids holistically; it is not enough if they succeed in IQ but they should equally have a good EQ too. He said that the human bombs exploding in his native are unfortunately academically brilliant fellows, but with low EQ.

Children who are cared less at home are more attention seekers at school and in public. Only effective teachers can identify and handle them properly. Meera also cites an example in her experience sharing about similar students. It’s not enough that one or two can sing, another can dance, another act, and some others efficient in sports. Anybody should have the confidence to exhibit their talent in public.

With the lyrics of the theme song of Harithavidyalayam, let me thank the show, its members for having taken many like me to our school days once again…

മന്ന്തരി തൊട്ടു മഹാ ആകാശം വരെ
എന്തെന്നറിയാന്‍ ദാഹികുന്നവരെ
പിന്ചോമാനകല്ക് അമൃതം പകരും
സഞ്ചിത സംസ്കൃതി തന്‍ ഉറവെ
ഹരിത മനോഹര വിധ്യലയമെ
നിറയൂ നിറയൂ നിറയൂ നീ വരൂ

നവഷരങ്ങള്‍ പോലെ ഇത് വഴി 
നടന്നു പോയ മനീഷികള്‍ തന്‍
മോഴികളിലെ മണി മുത്തുകള്‍ കടഞ്ഞെടുക്കാന്‍
കഴിവുട്ടവരായി തീര്കൂ
ഇവരെ കഴിവുട്ടവരായി തീര്കൂ

ഹരിതമാനോഹര വിധ്യല്‍കയമെ
നിറയൂ നിറയൂ നിറയൂ നീ വരൂ

അവിടെയുമുള്ള മനീഷികളെ പോലെ 
ഇവരെയും തന്നോടനയ്കുക നീ
ജീവപ്രക്രിതികകും 
ഇവരെ കവലലുകലാകൂ
ഇവരെ കാവലലുകലകുക നീ

ഹരിത മനോഹര വിധ്യലയമെ
നിറയൂ നിറയൂ നിറയൂ നീ വരൂ

    HATS OFF TO ALL INVOLVED …
      the whole crew behind the education reality show...
             for such a nostalgic event...









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